Has anyone done Prom/School Dance Events?

Hello all. I'm investigating an idea of doing event photography at school Proms, dances, etc, where I provide formal portraits, candid shots, and fun poses (dance floor shots, etc), to students and parents on a CD for a set price. Has anyone on this forum done such things and if so, how do you recommend I approach the schools with the idea and who is normally the first point of contact at the schools that you make?

Thanks in advance!

Hey. I've been thinking about this too. My friend's mother is a principal so I think that's one place to start.

My son does this type of thing at his school dances. His favourite thing to do is start dancing with the crowd and taking shots as he dances hehe. Fun time, mixing 2 great pastimes in one. He does some portrait and stuff on the way in but not much since he wants to enjoy the events too. I believe last time he did it was at a Semi-formal for another school though and he sold CD's for 8 bucks a piece with about 150 pics on them.

Thanks Avalonthas. Who at the school does your son contact to do this or is he still in school and has the inside scoop?

I have done school dances two ways. One, I was one of three or four local area professionals who got paid that night by the company that we did the shooting for/with. I brought my own equipment and they supplied the backgrounds and the helpers who took the money, filled out the order forms, etc. Depending on the size of the school, I would get $200 or more for a couple hours work.

I have also done this on my own, and though it is much more profitable, there are some important things to consider. Make sure you are insured. Those kids can get pretty excited with all that's going on. I had a power pack get knocked around, and my insurance company replaced it. Also, if a kid trips on your cord, or whatever, you want liability.

You will want a friend or two to help you take the money, the orders, and generally keep the line moving. You need to shoot fast, as there isn't as much time as you think to get them all shot. Have a board showing the packages where they stand in line so they can see your prices, packages, etc. Give receipts with your contact information/order number. State a delivery time and stick to it so your reputation doesn't get dissed.

You are usually the one to supply the background, and have it go with their dance theme. I have had students help me with the prep before the date of the dance, it really depends on the school.

You'll be wise to choose a professional lab that does school dance/event processing. They can print the packages in the order you shot them, etc. Always go to the lab first and ask them the best way to do it so they can accurately print each customer's package. This is important! Also, does the lab do digital as well as film? Just good to know. They may give you stickers to number your rolls/roll sheets (the forms to record each frame you take), envelopes, etc.

If you get time to shoot all the couples and go out on the dance floor, I'd be surprised. But it depends on the size of the school, and the duration of the dance, and how fast you are. I haven't dealt with that type of dance floor photography, though it does sound fun!

It is a great way to make money, and there is a lot or responsibility on your part.

I might have left a few things out, and sorry for the random order of suggestions (typing as I think of things)!

If you do get to do this, please let us know! Good luck!

terrijo wrote:
Thanks Avalonthas. Who at the school does your son contact to do this or is he still in school and has the inside scoop?

He tells me that everything goes through the student council. He gets permission and/or instructions from them and that is where any budget comes from. The principle and administration have no part in it just like if he was doing something for the yearbook, it all goes through student council. When he says budget he tells me this ranges from his free ticket of admission (40 bucks for a semi formal) and/or 200 bucks to cover his time/processing, which usually is a max of 2 hours. His last semi-formal he did for another school he also went to the student council, and they paid him 100 bucks to cover the 5 hour event, 125 bucks for processing, then 1 dollar for each CD, and then they kept the remaining profit from the sale of the CD's with around 150 images. This is all based on the fact that he is a student/amateur-semi pro/school has a low budget. I know for a fact that his own highschool council has a yearly budget of 9000 to 12000, but i doubt surrounding schools have as much as his because his school is knock for there fundraising and school spirit and stuff.

As for you doing such an event it will depend. If ur a student and the event is at ur school (im thinking highschool) then u just go through ur student council. You retain all copyrights, and all the photos go toward prints or a CD. You can get paid based on prints/CD's sold and/or the time u spent shooting/editing. The lowest my son was ever paid was about 125, and the max is about 250. So if ur in it for business (profit) then depending on budget size it may not be a good source of income (although it is about 20 bucks an hour, but pro's often demand 50 or more an hour). It also depends if they are contracting you or wanting u to come in (which means they usually will pay higher) or if ur willing to go and shoot (which generally pays lower because they probably have a beginner yearbook person doing a few shots). So it all depends on wether u attend the school or not and/or if they have a budget for it.

If ur going to do protraits and/or stuff at the door then there is no need for assistants or anything as usually the student council will offer people to collect any money and/or watch the printer if ur doing on the spot printing, etc. My son does a lot of on the spot pritning but i would suggest taking it all to a lab if ur doing prints as it will save u time and money, and wether or not the lab is professional usually doesnt matter, because these kids will not know the difference between a Walmart and non Walmart lol....

If ur going to do protraits and/or stuff at the door then there is no need for assistants or anything as usually the student council will offer people to collect any money and/or watch the printer if ur doing on the spot printing, etc. My son does a lot of on the spot pritning but i would suggest taking it all to a lab if ur doing prints as it will save u time and money, and wether or not the lab is professional usually doesnt matter, because these kids will not know the difference between a Walmart and non Walmart lol....[/QUOTE]

Wow! I had though about this two years ago and never stepped up to the plate. Now, that I have moved from my P&S camera to a more semi-prosumer camera (350D Rebel Xt) and have been breathing and reading photography, I had listed all the schools in my district (Jr High & High Schools). I would send out my (small) brochue to all the principal of each school and to some of my friends (children you are in school) to pass it on to the studend council.

My sister works for the Board of Ed here in NYC. My other sister runs (Homeschooling) her own School/Day Care in here home and serve on the PTA for my neice High School.

The only question I have is that my specialty is more towards Event Photography/Portraits. I love taking pictures and printing them on the spot.

I read this thread to pick up extra tips and tricks. Avalonthans, could you tell us what printer was used when your son did this? If you remember of course... thanks

I did a semi-formal for work (Life Touch Photography) We don't charge the schools anything for having us there. We were there for 3 hours, in an empty class room next to the gym (where the dance was). We had one light behind us, using a d70 and a large muslin (happened to be the school colors!) and some balloons to go to the side. We charged them $10 for 2 5X7. There was about 100 kids that had their picture done.

When I am taking pictures at bridal/baby showers, birthday parties, outdoor BBQs, or at special events, I charge (8x10) $ 10 and 5x7 = $5. {Same as you Jube--> 2 (5x7) = $10

The price covers the cost of printing (ink and Paper), some equipment and my time....

However, since I don't have to pay anything (space and overhead etc..), it helps to keep the price down.

for simlar events, with under 18year olds (i.e. not having the most money in the world) i normally charge £5 for a 5x7, mounted.

This covers everything. However for a high aged event i would charge closer to £10.

All my prices for some of my events our on my website - http://www.esphoto.co.​uk/4images

This may give some ideas.